Abstract
The age-specific reference values for immunoglobulin (Ig) serum concentrations in European bison (Bison bonasus) are lacking. Identification of immune alterations that accompany normal physiological aging will help assist in development of better monitoring health programs. In the present study, the age-associated changes in concentration of IgG, IgM, and IgA in serum of apparently healthy European bison of various ages were studied. The quantities of IgA, IgM, and IgG were measured by the use of a commercial ELISA kit. The serum samples originating from apparently healthy European bison (n = 206) were divided into the following age categories: (1) <1 year of age; (2) animals between 1 and 3 years of age; and (3) animals which have reached sexual maturity: (3a) animals between 4 and 8 years of age, (3b) animals between 9 and 15 years of age, and (3c) animals > 15 years of age. IgG was found to be predominant Ig in the serum regardless of the age of the animals. The significant positive correlation between IgG absolute and relative concentration and the age of animals was found. The absolute concentration of IgM did not differ significantly during the lifespan; however, the negative correlation was observed between percentage of IgM and European bison's age. IgA represented the least class of serum Ig. Total serum concentration of analyzed Ig also significantly increased with age. No gender-related differences were detected. Our findings represent a meaningful contribution to the studies on the immunity of European bison and effect of age on the immunoglobulin level. Our results would be useful for veterinarians and researchers in the studies with this animal's species.
Highlights
Development of the immune system is not complete at the time of birth in humans and various animal species [1,2,3]
Differences observed in peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations and serum concentrations of immunoglobulins in children compared to adults have prompted similar studies in animals [1,2,3, 11,12,13,14,15]
On the basis of our study, we state that in the evaluation of health status and immune disorders in European bison, as in other animal species, it is of great importance to interpret the results of studied immunological parameters with regard to physiological processes of development, functional immaturity of the immune system, and immunological reactions which occur in the body during normal development
Summary
Development of the immune system is not complete at the time of birth in humans and various animal species [1,2,3]. The values of immune parameters vary during neonatal and later periods of life, which is observed in many animals’ species [1, 4, 5], as well as in humans [6, 7]. Differences observed in peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations and serum concentrations of immunoglobulins in children compared to adults have prompted similar studies in animals [1,2,3, 11,12,13,14,15]. In horses, serum concentration of IgG, IgM, or IgA did not differ with age [8]
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